Four Down Territory: Links to the Best in AFC North Coverage, 2/16 Edition

Today's Four Down Territory deals with a few topics familiar to fans of the AFC North: the rumored disconnect between the Steelers' front office and the coaching staff, what the Steelers are going to do in 2012 without running back Rashard Mendenhall, the state of running back Ray Rice's contract negotiations with the Baltimore Ravens and whether the Cleveland Browns should draft quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Today's roundup of the best coverage of the AFC North from around the web provides a few fresh takes on these ongoing issues.

On the heels of weeks of back-and-forth about the role Pittsburgh Steelers team president and owner Art Rooney II played in the hiring of new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, the Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette spoke to general manager Kevin Colbert on whether Rooney's decision-making role has indeed expanded.

There are three storylines that have dominated the Steelers' offseason thus far: the aforementioned rumored power struggle between the front office and coaching staff (or the lack of one), how the team will manage to get under the salary cap and what their plans are at running back with Rashard Mendenhall likely sidelined for most of the 2012 season.

Bleacher Report senior writer Peter Emerick tackles the latter issue, detailing five backup plans the team can utilize to make Mendenhall's absence have as little impact as possible.

Contract talks between the Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Joe Flacco are expected to start next week, which is likely why Flacco's agent Joe Linta said he's one of the top-five passers in the league. Negotiation fodder aside, Bleacher Report lead writer Dan Levy takes on Linta's assertion.

Pro Football Talk says that contract negotiations between the Ravens and running back Ray Rice have yet to make any progress. Personally, I'm not worried about this development and believe a deal will be done, though maybe not until summer.

Craig Lyndall from Waiting for Next Year reveals the poll results for the best Cleveland Browns running backs and fullbacks since 1999.

Bleacher Report's Zach Kruse details why it's not about Colt McCoy if the Cleveland Browns choose to draft Robert Griffin III in April.

The Cincinnati Bengals have an opportunity to spend big money in free agency. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport outlines five free agents who would be good fits for the team.

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